by Waylon Galvez
A day after being quizzed by PBA officials, Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc., which owns Blackwater Sports in the PBA D-League, yesterday made its intent to join the PBA next season formally.
Ever Bilena chair Dioceldo Sy said they already sent its letter of intent to the PBA and he hopes to get favorable response when the Board tackles its plan to become the newest member of the pro league.
“We already sent our letter of intent to the PBA office and we are hoping to get favorable response from the esteemed members of the Board,” said Sy, who along with his brother, Silliman, were interviewed by Commissioner Chito Salud why they wanted to join the league in a dinner meeting last Thursday.
Sy sees no problem paying the league P100 million for a new franchise adding it has been his dream to own a team in the PBA. Aside from Ever Bilena, also knocking at the PBA door is Columbia Auto Corporation, distributor of Kia in the Philippines.
An impeachable source said Kia has already sent its letter of intent.
Rain or Shine owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que are ready to welcome Sy if the Board approves their application.
“Of course we’ll welcome him (Sy),” said Yu. “We know him, he (Sy) is also very passionate about basketball like me and Terry.”
“But they’ll have to go through the board. But as far as Terry and I are concerned, we’re OK with that because Dioceldo is our friend,” added Yu.
Sy’s team in the now defunct Philippine Basketball League (PBL) was one of the rivals of Welcoat Paints of Yu and Que. Welcoat Paints joined the PBA in 2006 when it purchased the franchise of Shell.
The PBA, under current Board of Governors chairman Ramon Segismundo of Meralco, has opened the possibility of accepting expansion teams this season.